Tech policy issues play a prominent role in the Democratic Party's 2012 platform, released this week for the party's national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The document touts an active federal role in a wide variety of tech policy issues, from copyright enforcement to the expansion of broadband Internet access.

Both major US party platforms endorse "Internet freedom"óbut for both parties the phrase comes with important caveats. Last week, the Republicans called for "vigorous enforcement of current laws on all forms of pornography and obscenity," as well as the preservation of the ban on online gambling. The Democrats are silent on pornography and gambling, but they make the case for "vigorous" copyright enforcement efforts.